Delivering her department's R31.5-billion budget in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu said 77 old coal-fired boilers in 25 hospitals will be replaced with dual fired diesel/natural gas boilers.
Old technology used in lights and air conditioning will also be replaced with environmentally friendly technology.
"Given the number and size of buildings that the department utilises and the sheer energy consumed in health care, it is only logical that we would improve efficiencies, cut costs and impact the environment positively.
"Feasibility studies are also underway for establishing a gas pipeline to support the boilers as well as tri-generation plants at the central hospitals," the MEC said.
MEC Mahlangu said the department has made substantial progress in paying suppliers.
"The department is continuing with the exercise of conducting prepayment audits for invoices older than three months, and an amount of R50-million has already been paid to suppliers whose invoices were validated through the prepayment audit process," she said.
However, she admitted that the department is not doing enough to maximise revenue collection.
She said they needed a stronger partnership with the South African Revenue Service to ensure that people who can afford to pay do pay, and do not drain the limited state resources.
MEC Mahlangu expressed her gratitude to doctors and nurses, who go beyond the call of duty.
"I was inspired to see the young doctors and nurses at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital on Mandela Day and we must do all we can to continue to inspire these young doctors and nurses to continue with the passion they have for their profession.
"We must build a cadre of doctors and nurses who are the backbone of our healthcare system and understand that putting patients first is central to our work. We must ensure that working conditions are of a high standard and the tools of trade are always available."
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